Why Doesn’t the Stomach Digest Itself?

If stomachs did not have a lining of mucus, your stomach would digest itself.  The stomach produces more than just the acids, fluids and other chemicals for breaking down food.  It also produces a lining of cells, or mucus, which protects the stomach walls.  These cells are constantly being replaced by the body to maintain a coating that will protect the stomach from the acids.

Although, exess secretions of stomach acids can be released due to things like stress or smoking.  If this occurs, the stomach walls may be damaged, and an ulcer is produced. To learn more facts about people, please visit our Human Facts page.